Definition of a Mineral

A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid substance with a specific chemical composition and a crystalline structure. In simpler terms, minerals are the building blocks of rocks and are formed through geological processes. They can be found in the Earth's crust and have a wide range of physical and chemical properties.

Key characteristics of minerals include:

Naturally Occurring: Minerals are formed through natural geological processes, such as cooling and solidification of molten rock (igneous processes), precipitation from solution (sedimentary processes), or alteration of pre-existing minerals (metamorphic processes).

Inorganic: Minerals are not formed by the activities of living organisms. While some substances produced by living organisms, like shells or bones, may resemble minerals, they are not considered true minerals because they are organic in origin.

Solid: Minerals are typically solid at normal temperatures and pressures. However, some minerals can exist as liquids (e.g., mercury) or gases (e.g., sulfur dioxide) under specific conditions.

Definite Chemical Composition: Each mineral has a specific chemical formula that defines its composition. This means that the ratio of elements in a mineral is fixed and consistent for that particular mineral.

Crystalline Structure: Minerals have an ordered and repeating internal arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules, known as a crystalline structure. This structure gives minerals their characteristic geometric shapes when they form crystals.

Examples of minerals include quartz, feldspar, mica, calcite, and many others. Minerals play a crucial role in various geological processes and have practical applications in industry, technology, and everyday life.